“This practice is an egregious violation of the fundamental right to life and is in wanton disregard of any moral or ethical standards of human decency”

(WASHINGTON) – Today, U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, and U.S. Rep Robert Andrews (D-NJ), introduced H.Res. 281, condemning the reported practice by China of harvesting organs from non-consenting prisoners of conscience, like Falun Gong practitioners, and calls for the immediate cessation of that practice.

Ros-Lehtinen said: “I’m pleased to join my colleague, Rob Andrews, in introducing this Resolution. The very thought that China may be harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience, or any other non-consenting individual, is ghoulish and must be stopped forthwith. This perverse and unconscionable practice has been largely targeting Falun Gong practitioners who have been imprisoned for their religious beliefs. This is an egregious violation of the fundamental right to life and is in wanton disregard of any moral or ethical standards of human decency. The Administration should publicly condemn and strongly urge to put an immediate end to the practice of organ harvesting, and call for China to end its persecution of the Falun Gong and other religious minorities.”

Andrews said: “When performed in accordance with ethical standards, organ transplantation has the potential to provide hope and well-being for millions around the globe. However, forced organ harvesting is beyond immoral and unethical treatment,” said Congressman Rob Andrews. “The idea that a state sanctioned organ harvesting operation exists in China, especially one which targets individuals illegally and against their will, is an outright atrocity. It’s imperative that our Administration stands up for religious minorities in China by calling for an immediate halt to the practice of organ harvesting.”